Time To Check It Off The List

       

      I'm one of those people who believes in bucket lists. I think they're fun, inspire goals and adventure, and above all they fill your life with excitement. My list isn't too extensive, like some peoples 1000 things to do before they die. I've got plenty of goals though. Each one takes preparation, and some really hard work. That's what's good though, your bucket list should push you to grow.
       Today I take off on an adventure in which one of my bucket items will be crossed off. I couldn't be more TERRIFIED! I'm heading to St. George to spend some quality time with friends, watch some good movies, be by the pool, get some shopping in, but that main activity will be hiking Angels Landing.

Doesn't it look daunting?!

      Here's the deal, everyone is telling me, "Thousands before you have done it!" " I knew an 8 year old with disabilities that did it just fine." or "It's not as bad as you think." As much as I wish those words were consoling I don't seem to be pacified by them at all.Guys, hiking the Y makes me think I'm dying. This is like hiking the Y five times in a row!! (Well, with a much prettier hike/view for sure.) I literally woke up last night with a killer stomach ache 'cause I'm SO nervous. 

       I remind myself however, I'm going with great, patient friends. When doing hard things you just need to take your time, take a breath, and take a step forward. Can you imagine what a champion I'll feel like once I've conquered this literal mountain?! Fear and insecurities do not get to dictate my life, and I'm going to prove that all the way up Angels Landing. 

       So wish me luck, say LOTS of prayers for me, and go do something that you don't think you can do. We're stronger than we think!!! 

Coincidence?

       

        The other day I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine about divine intervention vs coincidence. I am of the opinion that God is highly involved and laces our entire path with people we need to know, things we need to learn, and obstacles we need to grow from. My friend didn't quite agree, in fact he scuffed, "So if you get a front row parking spot God arranged that?" Well ya know, sometimes when it's been a bad day, you're in a hurry, and have to get that candy bar you promised a student, I think yeah; He helps out. 

       As I left and have further reflected on that conversation I found undeniable evidence in my life. The most common form of divine intervention I can see is the gift of new relationships.

        Since I've returned home from my mission I haven't done nearly enough reaching out. I'm so happy with the relationships I already have. I'm not attending school just yet, go to a singles ward that basically contains all my high school peers, and live at home. Needless to say my social circle is comfortable and well established. 

       This is a good thing, I really do find comfort in it. Yet, as I've prayed for growth and direction I've found that God has placed new remarkable people in my life in addition to allowing me to nurture the older friendships as well.There is something empowering within strong, caring relationships. I can see that God intends to speak to me by who He's placed in my life.  I could go on for hours and hours talking about each close friend of mine and how they teach me and help me be who I need to be.

       Today however, I want to highlight three new friendships. My heart is just overflowing with gratitude for these three ladies, and this is a small way I can give tribute to them. I thank Heavenly Father for helping me continue to get to know amazing people.

       First let's talk about Jenna Thrope:

      This friendship all started with a picture of her in a cat costume. :) I served in Argentina with her wonderful boyfriend. Most every time I'd go to the mission office I'd pull out the pictures he had in his desk and Jenna's was always right on top. Once I came home my friendship with Josh continued. By the time I was home Josh had won over Jenna and they were a package deal.

      Instead of Jenna being territorial or uninterested in "Josh's mission friends" she became a companion to me. She's and I are usually the only girls in a huge group of guys and I couldn't be more grateful to have such a sweet side kick. I know I can always count on her to make me feel included and safe. 

       Something I love about Jenna is that she has a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ that shines through her. She made institute a priority in my life and continues to show me just how much we can trust Heavenly Father. I think that because of her shining testimony her understanding of the spirit has been made impeccable.

        A few weeks ago I was having a rough night.  I was feeling lonely and just bummed when a knock came to my door. Jenna!!! After driving around for forever trying to remember where I live, she had come to deliver me a delicious home made loaf of bread. She is full of compassion and extremely thoughtful. I love you Jenna, thank you for making me a better person, and thank you for being my side-kick!

Second up Kristin Braithwaite:

         I don't even know how to begin the tribute to Kristin. She and I worked together this last year at PG Jr. High. Immediately I was drawn in by her teaching style. She teaches to change lives and empower with knowledge. The students in her room are engaged in what's going on to the point where they don't even bother pulling out their call phones. However, that's also because she cares enough about them to give them clear limits and rules that she actually implements. 

       Something so cool about Kristin is that she has this gift where she's able to make everybody around her feel like they're her number one. I saw it time and time again with the kids. They felt like they mattered to her, which caused them to excel. Not only the students though, the other co workers flocked to her too, and even I found myself receiving so much validation and confidence from the friendship she offers. She changed my desire to magnify my job and be the best person I could be. 

        It's thanks to who she is that I have found a new confidence to go change the world. Nothing about his woman is mediocre and nothing could stop her force. She inspires grit, knowledge, personality, and dreaming. I am honored to know her and so grateful to know there are still heroes out in the world. I love you Kristin!

       Third is Laura Titensor:

       Super mom, iron woman, housewife, and BFF; these are seriously only a few of the titles this woman possesses. Laura is someone who is so extremely active and full of life! I watch her juggle being a mom and wife, as well as a committed visiting teacher, plus a friend, and a million other things, with such grace and enthusiasm. I think the coolest thing about that is, each senses that importance it carries in her life. She makes time for everything and is able to dedicate her energy and time to all.

       Something else that Laura has done for me is push me to reach my goals. Although we've known each other for sometime now it's only been lately that our friendship has blossomed. It was while I was praying for someone who could help me be a better version of myself that we became dear friends. It's thanks to her that I attend the temple weekly, or have gone running. She's such an encourager. 

       Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically, Laura is put together. I'm so grateful that I can learn to live a balanced life, full of love through the example of her. Thank you Laura for being a rockstar, I love you, and think the world of you!

      

       God had also given me you! Although I may not have highlighted our friendship specifically, I know God put you in my life for a divine purpose. I love that He's done that for me and that He does it for you too. I love each and everyone of you! May we all strive a little harder to take advantage of the opportunities to know His sons and daughters around us, because who knows the beautiful relationships and unity they could bring! 

Fortune Telling

 I LOVE fortune cookies. 

Well, actually I don't love the cookie.

I get excited to crack it open and see what universe says is coming my way.

The cool thing about these lil guys is it's always something wonderful.

"You will find love in an unexpected place."

"Now is the time to try something new"

"Riches lie in the small things around you."

All encourage hope and positivity.

Today while reading my scriptures I had this same experience. 

The butterflies and the wishful daydreaming took off as I read the words,

  For verily I say unto you, that great things await you.

(Doctrine and Covenants 45:62)

I can't wait to see what the Lord was talking about!

Long Live Literacy

   

 
        Did you ever get asked your first day of a new class to go around the room say your name and your favorite novel? Did you ever feel like an idiot 'cause you couldn't even remember what the last book you read was? I can totally relate. Back in Jr. High I would ask Charlie to read the books out loud to me as we were going to bed, of course I'd proceed to fall asleep before she'd even finish the first page. The only book I actually got into would be Holes by Louis Sachar. I read it and reread it. That however, didn't even cover a book a semester. I was not a reader.
        I'm not exactly sure what changed but, since November I've had reading fever. I wiz through books and thirst for new reads. I've read nonfiction, fiction,church history novels, fantasy, Argentina poetry, classics and continue to build my own personal library. I'm a book worm, and I NEVER saw it coming.
       They say that reading engenders empathy. You're able to explore different cultures, new ways of thinking, and can help you refocus your own personal life. I feel like I have grown mentally, spiritually, and emotionally with the books. It gives me confidence when I conquer a hard read. It makes me feel cultured when I read a classic or a history novel. It makes me excited and creative when I read of adventure. Reading has changed my life.
       This week I was able to finish the best book I've ever read. Now this is one I've read a couple times now, so technically I refinish this book. I cannot accurately express the power it contains. I read page after page feeling energized and like the words were mine to keep. It introduced me to my biggest heroes and worst enemies. It showed me how life ought to be lived, and what to avoid. I gained confidence in myself, a better sense of direction, and peace in the turmoil from simply skimming it's pages. This is the best book ever written.
       The following is another review of this AMAZING read:  "There is a book I've read many times, yet each time I read it, I find it engages my interest even more. It is a story of courage, faith, and fortitude, or perseverance, sacrifice, and superhuman accomplishments, of intrigue, of revenge, of disaster, of war, murder, and rapine, of idolatry, of cannibalism, of miracles, visions, and manifestations, of prophecies and their fulfillment.
       I found in it life at its best, and at its worst, in ever-changing patterns.
       It is a fast-moving story of total life, of opposing ideologies, of monarchies, and judgeship, and mobocracies. Class distinction is thee with its ugliness, race prejudice with its hatefulness and multiplicity of creeds with their bitter conflicts.
        Archaeologists may be excited as they read of ruins of ancient cities, highways, and building; and there may yet be hidden buried gold and priceless records.
        Engineers will learn from this great book that those centuries ago, men built buildings, temples, highways with cement, and paved roads that connected city to city and land to land.
        The psychologists may find studies in human behavior, the workings of the human mind, and the rationalizing processes whereby men convince themselves that good is badm and that bad is good. Here they will watch history unfold for thousands of years government leaders, kinds, presidents and premiers o see the rise and fall of empires and the difference between statemanship and demogoguery.
       It is the word of God. It is a powerful second witness of Christ, And, certainly, all true believers who love the Redeemer will welcome additional evidence of His divinity.
       This inspiring book was never tampered with by unauthorized translators or biased theologians but comes to the world pure and direct from the historian abridgers. The book is not on trial-- its readers are.
       Here is a scripture as old as creation and as new and vibrant as tomorrow, bridging time and eternity. It is a book of revelation and is a companion to the Bible.....and agrees in surprising harmony with the Bible in tradition, history, doctrine, and prophecy....
       In the final chapter of the book is the never-failing promise that every person who will read the book with a sincere, prayerful desire to know of its divinity shall have the assurance of its truth.
       The book of which I speak is the keystone of true religion, a ladder by which one may get near to God by abiding its precepts. IT has been named "the most correct of any book on earth."
       My beloved friends, I give to you, the Book of Mormon. May you read it prayerfully, study it carefully, and receive for yourself the testimony of its divinity."
                                                                                    -Spencer W. Kimball

     

        I testify that the Book of Mormon is true. It's not "boring ol' scripture", but life changing inspiration. The words of God have been written and they're available for all of us to read. I am better because of this book. I am sure because of this book. Please please please dive on in. Whether it's for your first or fiftieth time you will love it. I know it contains the truth and I'm SO excited for you to receive that certainty as well.  

LONG LIVE LITERACY.

Lucky Numbers

   Wouldn't this be a good day for a wedding? May 5th. 
Why? Well, it all comes down to my lucky numbers. Three and Five. (I also kinda like eight and kinda thirteen but just not as much.) So I got really lucky 'cause my birthday is March 3rd. 3/3. Because of that I've always wanted to be married May, 5th. 5/5. 
         Dang. Looks like I missed it this year.
                                  ..........There is always next year right?
  Plus 5/5/15 is pretty cool. AND temples aren't open on Monday, so that wouldn't have worked anyways. 

The good news is I can still celebrate cinco de mayo today.
 Who wants to go get some Cafe Rio?

BOO!!!

       As our chat was coming to a close my Aunt casually used a beloved Eleanor Roosevelt quote that changed my mind-set. "Do one thing every day that scares you." *Click*. I knew what I had to do.

Monday: It was time to pull down the old bike and go for a spin. That wasn't enough though. I called my dear friend who is SUPER fit, and loves to ride. I always wanted to go with him but our levels of fitness are so different it was always too intimidating. I picked up the phone, called him, and we went. Guess what the best part was? Although I was SO nervous going into it, it was a blast and now I've gone on several more rides! Scary?! Not as bad now!

Tuesday: I've always wanted to teach at the MTC. I love teaching, I love the gospel, I LOVE the MTC. It's a match made in heaven. Something that doesn't scare me are interviews. However, that's not how the MTC does it. You go in and teach. Logically, I guess. I didn't make sense. I was became petrified. I just about talked myself out of applying, but then these words rung in my head. 

           I have two amazing friends that carefully helped me prepare and make me feel the confidence I needed to go through with it. Off  I went and taught a empowering lesson, had my Spanish tested, and more than anything proved to myself I could do it! The happy ending is that I've been asked to come in for a second interview!! (PS- To clarify with my summer job boss, this wouldn't take start 'till August, don't worry! haha) 

Wednesday: School. It's one of my biggest insecurities. It's not that I'm dumb, it's just that I have a hard time buckling down sometimes. I don't know what I want to study. I HATE when the parking lot is full and I'm late to class. I hate when I study really hard and still don't know that answers to the test. School REALLY scares me. 

       This year I have had the privilege of working at PG Jr. High. There I have learned how important good study habits are. I've learned the importance of education. I've learned that we can do really hard things. The most important thing I've learned though, might be that I love learning. There is something so powerful about understand our world better. There is something SO confidence inspiring when you feel like you 'get-it'. 

      Off I went to UVU to get everything sorted out and get back on the road to higher education. There were several road blocks presented but, I am going to do it! I'm now re-enrolled and one step closer. It's still harder than I thought it'd be to get all sorted out but I'm not letting fear or anything else hold me back from what I want and need to do. 

Thursday: I am so non-confrontational. Sometimes I let people take advantage of my fear of having hard conversations. There was a big whale in front of me, that needed to be confronted however. They had been untruthful and as much as I was willing just to let it go and move on, the deceit had created road blocks. I have goals and aspirations that can't be met 'till this fear was hit head on. A hard conversation had to be had. Again, with the help of a friend, I literally practiced the talk, and went for it! Vague, I know. It went well, and even though I haven't quite seen the results I want, it'll come. (PS- This has nothing to do with my love life. Haha) 

      Oh! Also this day, I hiked the Y. That scares me 'cause it's steep. Don't worry, I did it, and even made it all the way to the top. Haha. 

Friday: I use to LOVE performing. I love singing, I love dancing! Then I went on a mission. I didn't have any opportunities to really use these talents. I tried to sing at baptisms or in sacrament meetings but considering I was the only personally that could play the piano that usually it made it tricky. I want to be good again, but it's discouraging to see how much ground I've lost. My range has greatly shrunk and my control is weak. I find myself straining where I use to sing easily and naturally. So annoying! 

      The opportunity came to sing, despite my looking for it.I got a call from one of my church leaders saying that Noelle Pikus Pace, Olympics gold medalist, was coming to do a devotional. This was going to be a wonderful event with up to hundreds of people. The next thing he said was that he'd like me to participate in a musical number with him and a handful of men from the church. I'd be the featured soloist. "Sure, that's be great!" (While actually freaking out inside.)

      We practice and I felt totally mellow about the whole thing, 'till it was time to go up there and do it. With a prayer in my heart we got through. It went really well and has made me want to continue pushing myself to use that talent. I text the music coordinator at my church and will now be singing a challenging solo for mothers day. Baby steps to stardom. (Hahaha, no, I don't want to be a "singer" when I grow up)

Saturday:  My BFF cousins, Ash and Joe, always joke that when I have DTR's it's not "Determine The Relationship" it's "Destroy The Relationship". I've gotten into the habit of just coasting through relationships without ever really knowing what we are or what we're thinking. It's not good. It's easy, but dumb. My goal is to find someone who wants take 'us' seriously. So, after a long "relationship" with this guy I decided it was time to have a talk. Holy cow was I scared!!! I spoke from my heart, and said all that I had always wanted to. 

       Unfortunately Ash and Joe's teasing turned to truth. He wasn't on the same page as me, and it ended up putting a HUGE detour in my plans. It hurt and made me really sad. I was mad that I could have just continued on this ignorant bliss path but no, "I just haaad to face my fears." I almost considered this a failure, but then I realize I was about to embark on something else that scares me, entering the world of dating. The prize at the end is awesome. So I've just got to do it, not matter how scary it is every single day. Being alone scares me but not trying is stupid.  

Sunday: Now this is an almost silly one. I love reading, but I could probably be perfectly content just reading and rereading Holes over and over again. There are all these wonderful books that I want to read but when I see that they're 800 pages long, and that they have a vocabulary that I know will challenge mine I opt out for something less intense. Not today though, nope! I picked it up and started reading. It's been a wonderful read, and I feel smarter. I seriously, actually feel smarter.

       What an amazing challenge. I've continued doing this and although I miss somedays, I know that I'm becoming a stronger person. I'm free because I'm not letting anything hold me back. Now here is an important question, how do we get the courage to do this? The answer I found might seem obvious but it's so real. Faith. Faith in Jesus Christ has given me the motivation to do what I didn't dare to do before. My weaknesses, failures, hurts, and shortcomings are made up through Him. If I try He'll pick up my slack and make it possible. I was never alone during those scary talks, fitness challenges or even during a teaching/job interview. 

        I now have made so many goals that I know  I will accomplish. I'm gonna run so many 5k's this summer, hike so many mountains, form so many new friendships and relationships. I'm going to learn and grow! I feel my confidence really, really blooming. I'm happier, and closer to my Savior everyday I do this. 

President Uchtdorf once said, “There are times when we have to step into the darkness in faith, confident that God will place solid ground beneath our feet once we do. And so I accepted gladly, knowing that God would provide.” 

    To end I post a visual aide I made to show the different levels of faith we're striving to obtain. Pray for more faith, and then get out there and get it!!! There is nothing holding you back that you can't overcome! 

Get it! Get it! 

Good-bye is sometimes a good thing...

   Dear Sweets,

You know I love you, you really do. You know we've shared a lot of really wonderful moments together, thank you. I have to say however, I need a break. I don't want your sugar high or sweet cravings. Nope, no more. Maybe we can talk about getting back together in a month, but I just don't think our relationship will ever be quite the same. I know you'll continue making billions of people around you so so happy. You know, I'll probably even still have you come to my all my birthdays. I love you, but you know what they say, "if you love them let them go". Anyways, I've said enough... 
    Warm regards,
Brittney Nicole Pasquale


  Yep that's right! It's time for another no sweets spree! May 1st has come and I'm SO excited to lay off the goods for a while! Join me if you'd like:) There is TOTALLY strength in numbers!!! 

Doesn't this look yummier anyways?!